9 things you’ll want to bring on your beach vacation

Brandon Suyeoka

10/1/2015

So you’re headed on your beach vacation! What a treat you’re in for, are you ready? Have your list of things to bring? For some of you, this may be the first time you’ve taken a trip to paradise. For others, maybe you need a little refresher to jog your memory. Here are 9 things you’ll want to remember to pack:

1. Swim suit
If you’re going to the beach you’ll need to pack your swim suit. Since you’ll be in warm tropical weather and near crystal blue waters, you’ll want to dive in and doing so in your jeans and top just won’t make any sense at all. Your swim suit will also allow fast and easy dry so when you’re done, you won’t be walking around with soaking wet clothes on.

2. Sunscreen
Unless you plan on sporting that “lobster” tan, you need to take care of your skin. Too much sun can cause your skin to peel and you can even develop a rash depending how sensitive your skin is. So make sure you pack your sunscreen, not to be confused with sun tan lotion, which is very different. You’ll want something with at least an SPF 30 for maximum protection. Also, if the skin on your face doesn’t respond well to certain chemicals, you can opt to pick up special facial sunscreen from a specialty stores or online. Because I surf and am out in the water so often, I personally get my facial sunscreen from retailers like Shiseido or Gorilla. An umbrella may also help block your exposure from the sun.

3. Flip-Flops
Make sure you purchase some flip-flops for the beach. You don't want to wear shoes or fancy footwear since sand will get into them and the water could get them wet. Invest in some flips-flops that are easy to walk in the sand with and dry quickly after they get wet.

4. Your favorite reusable water bottle
You won’t notice it as much since you’ll be splashing about in the water, but being out in the sun will accelerate dehydration in your body. You should be mindful to carry with you some water. The more you have the better off you are. Depending how long you’ll be at the beach, you may even want to consider taking an ice chest of water so that it stays cool for a long period of time. If you don’t really want to lug an ice chest around, bring along your reusable water bottle designed to keep your water cold like a Hydro Flask. It’s also handy when traveling since you can refill it at the airport and transport it with you on your plane ride to your destination.

5. Sunglasses
Not many people realize that your eyes can actually get sunburned. Just how ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, they can also affect your eyes causing what’s known as “photokeratitis” or sunburn on the cornea and whites of your eye. Prevent this by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

6. Beach bag
A beach bag is a good way to keep together all of your personal belongings and beach necessities in one place. Ideally, you'll want to bring a bag that doesn't contain any metals since the salt water will corrode such material. The best types of bags are also quick-to-dry if they get wet and have easy access to your things. Having handy airtight sealable plastic bags will also be helpful to store your valuables such as your cell phone, car keys and wallet and keep them from being exposed to the elements.

7. GoPro / waterproof camera
What’s better than having your photos taken at the beach? How about some awesome HD video. Commemorate your experience at the beach by bringing along your GoPro or other similar waterproof camera. You’ll get some great footage above the water and even under the water as well.

8. Beach reading
Sometimes you’ll want to pass the time at the beach by relaxing and taking in the surrounding ambiance. Soothing sounds of the water and the warmth of the sun provides the perfect environment to enjoy a good book or magazine.

9. Sun hat
Like your eyes, many people don’t realize that you can get sunburn on your scalp as well. Insisting that you have your hair to protect your head from sunburn would be a mistake. Pack your sun or beach hat so that you can stay cool up top and prevent a painful sunburn. The other reason why you don’t want sunburn on your head? You’ll star to peel and nothing is as unsightly as dead skin falling off your head!

Brandon Suyeoka is an advertising and marketing professional with nearly 20 years of experience working with brands and creating strategies for them to better engage their customers. If you are active on social media in Hawaii you may remember him from his LinkedIn/Twitter posts on industry related topics. He also has background on developing synergies with traditional marketing campaigns and social media to extend “conversations." Currently, he is the Marketing Brand Manager at ALTRES as well as an independent marketing consultant through his company SoComm Marketing. When he's not working, he's either out surfing, hanging out with friends or filling his belly with local cuisine. Find Brandon on LinkedIn. Follow on Twitter.